The Desert Muse Edit with Moroccan Stylist Khaoula Chiga
From pleated silhouettes to windswept headscarves, Chiga—aka Zif Hayati—serves up a dreamy Desert Muse edit grounded in heritage, movement, and mood.
If you've ever paused mid-scroll on a perfectly styled Moroccan scarf, chances are it was Zif Hayati . Behind the drape is 26-year-old stylist and image director Khaoula Chiga.
A name that translates to The Scarf of My Life, Zif Hayati is Chiga's nod to the traditional headscarf worn at home or after the hammam. 'I started content creation to make Zif Hayati more visible in the fashion industry,' she says, 'and to challenge the idea that it's only meant for home wear.'
Though her degree is in chemical analysis, fashion came first. 'My mom started studying fashion design when she was pregnant with me. I became her first model—whenever she learned something new, she'd try it on me,' she laughs.
Today, she works from that same atelier, styling and sewing with a vision that blends heritage and contemporary fashion. 'We have such rich heritage, and it deserves international recognition.'
Her references range from Moroccan classics to Mirror Palais and Jacquemus. 'If I didn't dress modestly, I'd probably live in Mirror Palais,' she says.
Now, she's building Zifelle , her upcoming modestwear label: 'It's everything I've ever wanted to create in one place.'
Look One | Sands of Time
'The flowy linen set mirrors the shifting sands, while the deep red leather bag and garnet necklace add richness inspired by Moroccan craftsmanship,' she tells SceneStyled. 'The golden makeup ties it all together.'
Na-kd | Linen Wide Leg Pant
Na-kd | One Shoulder Linen Blend Top
Zila Russi | Terez Dark Red Leather
Maayaz | Dahlia II Garnet Necklace
Kiko | Golden Oasis Chic Lips Beauty Kit
Look Two | Kasbah Nights
'Luxury is in each detail,' she explains. 'The Moroccan jewellery speaks to my style— it's where my love for heritage meets my obsession with clean, contemporary design.'
1309 Studios | Odelia Green
Okhtein | Malleable Clutch in Gold
Mekouar Joaillier | Pendants d'Oreilles 'Granada'
Jimmy Choo | Zyra 50
Dior | Oud Ispahan
Look Three | Dune Reveries
'This one feels like the desert's softness and sunlit warmth,' she says. 'Earthy tones, airy fabrics, and subtle handcrafted details– this look is timeless desert grace.'
Zimmermann | Acacia Maxi Dress
Kenzaklay | Green Zelij Set
Dolce Vita | Kesha Sandals in Bone Leather
Beauty of Joseon | Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen
Longchamp | Le Pliage Filet XS Mesh Bag in Ecru
Look Four | Palmshade Serenity
'This look reflects who I am. It feels like home to me—sunset tones, soft light, and that quiet beauty I grew up watching at the end of every day.'
Mirror Palais | The Sunset Gown
Zyne | Tory 45 in Orange
Moonglaze | Sheers in Gilded
Jacquemus | Le Bisou Perle Ivory
Jennifer Fisher | Samira Huggies
Look Five | Sirocco Soul
'The desert is never silent; it's the sound of the wind carrying stories of distant lands and endless horizons,' Chiga contemplates. 'Just like the breeze, these pieces flow with energy.'
Bottega Veneta | Angle Cat Eye Sunglasses
Hermès | Poivre Samarcande Eau de Toilette
Bottega Veneta | Viscose and Linen Dress
Chloé | Woody Mule in Vintage Khaki
Chloé | The Chloé Peonies Square Scarf in Silk Twill
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CairoScene
11 hours ago
- CairoScene
The Desert Muse Edit with Moroccan Stylist Khaoula Chiga
From pleated silhouettes to windswept headscarves, Chiga—aka Zif Hayati—serves up a dreamy Desert Muse edit grounded in heritage, movement, and mood. If you've ever paused mid-scroll on a perfectly styled Moroccan scarf, chances are it was Zif Hayati . Behind the drape is 26-year-old stylist and image director Khaoula Chiga. A name that translates to The Scarf of My Life, Zif Hayati is Chiga's nod to the traditional headscarf worn at home or after the hammam. 'I started content creation to make Zif Hayati more visible in the fashion industry,' she says, 'and to challenge the idea that it's only meant for home wear.' Though her degree is in chemical analysis, fashion came first. 'My mom started studying fashion design when she was pregnant with me. I became her first model—whenever she learned something new, she'd try it on me,' she laughs. Today, she works from that same atelier, styling and sewing with a vision that blends heritage and contemporary fashion. 'We have such rich heritage, and it deserves international recognition.' Her references range from Moroccan classics to Mirror Palais and Jacquemus. 'If I didn't dress modestly, I'd probably live in Mirror Palais,' she says. Now, she's building Zifelle , her upcoming modestwear label: 'It's everything I've ever wanted to create in one place.' Look One | Sands of Time 'The flowy linen set mirrors the shifting sands, while the deep red leather bag and garnet necklace add richness inspired by Moroccan craftsmanship,' she tells SceneStyled. 'The golden makeup ties it all together.' Na-kd | Linen Wide Leg Pant Na-kd | One Shoulder Linen Blend Top Zila Russi | Terez Dark Red Leather Maayaz | Dahlia II Garnet Necklace Kiko | Golden Oasis Chic Lips Beauty Kit Look Two | Kasbah Nights 'Luxury is in each detail,' she explains. 'The Moroccan jewellery speaks to my style— it's where my love for heritage meets my obsession with clean, contemporary design.' 1309 Studios | Odelia Green Okhtein | Malleable Clutch in Gold Mekouar Joaillier | Pendants d'Oreilles 'Granada' Jimmy Choo | Zyra 50 Dior | Oud Ispahan Look Three | Dune Reveries 'This one feels like the desert's softness and sunlit warmth,' she says. 'Earthy tones, airy fabrics, and subtle handcrafted details– this look is timeless desert grace.' Zimmermann | Acacia Maxi Dress Kenzaklay | Green Zelij Set Dolce Vita | Kesha Sandals in Bone Leather Beauty of Joseon | Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen Longchamp | Le Pliage Filet XS Mesh Bag in Ecru Look Four | Palmshade Serenity 'This look reflects who I am. It feels like home to me—sunset tones, soft light, and that quiet beauty I grew up watching at the end of every day.' Mirror Palais | The Sunset Gown Zyne | Tory 45 in Orange Moonglaze | Sheers in Gilded Jacquemus | Le Bisou Perle Ivory Jennifer Fisher | Samira Huggies Look Five | Sirocco Soul 'The desert is never silent; it's the sound of the wind carrying stories of distant lands and endless horizons,' Chiga contemplates. 'Just like the breeze, these pieces flow with energy.' Bottega Veneta | Angle Cat Eye Sunglasses Hermès | Poivre Samarcande Eau de Toilette Bottega Veneta | Viscose and Linen Dress Chloé | Woody Mule in Vintage Khaki Chloé | The Chloé Peonies Square Scarf in Silk Twill
CairoScene
2 days ago
- CairoScene
Melkyana's New Swimwear Drop Is All Va-Va-Voom and Zero Apologies
Melkyana's Summer 2025 drop hybrid swimwear with Italian shiny fabrics, structural cuts, and handmade detailing made to stand out in water. 'Paroles, paroles…' The iconic Dalida song is about romantic disillusionment. But for Egyptian designer Malak Nahass, founder of Melkyana, a UAE-based swimwear label, it's about something else: society's noise. 'That's what the collection seeks to outshine,' Nahas tells SceneStyled. Founded in 2022 by Malak Nahass, Melkyana (- my own ملكي أنا) has become known for its versatile hybrid swimwear, designed to transition effortlessly from beachwear to city attire. Signature pieces include the "tassel bikini," inspired by the Egyptian belly dancer's costume. In the new summer 2025 collection, the palette alone speaks volumes: champagne and flame red, unapologetically bold, lit from within. 'These colours assert dominance,' Nahass tells Scene Styled. 'They stand out.' The fabrics are Italian carvico, leather-like in their texture and unlike anything the eye expects. They glisten under sunlight, cling where needed, and fall away where freedom is essential. They cinch the waist without restricting movement. If Melkyana's first two collections were sisters in dialogue, refining the hybrid silhouette that defines the brand, this one feels like the confident third. 'The fabric is playful but strong,' Nahass says. 'It feels different to the eye, and different on the skin.' Each piece, 60% of it handmade, is a masterclass in detail: twist elements, sculptural seams. But for Malak Nahas, Melkyana has never really been about just swimwear. 'The Western world still has a very backward idea of Arab women,' she says. 'They don't see who we are now.' With this collection, she confronts that perceived blindness, offering up pieces that are sensual, sharp, and deeply modern. 'The magic of Melkyana lies in its in-between. It hits the sweet spot of covered and uncovered.' Nahas doesn't believe in styling rules, only instincts. 'Feel yourself when you throw it on,' she says, and you understand instantly that these garments are less about what they look like, and more about what they feel like. Confidence, clarity, a refusal to shrink. 'Layer them with an oversized shirt, wear them alone into the sea, what matters is how they move with you, not around you.' As the brand continues to grow, Melkyana's future is firmly in sight. 'We want to be in more retail stores soon,' she says. With Paroles Paroles, Nahass rejects and outdresses the noise.
Egypt Today
3 days ago
- Egypt Today
Sherine Abdel Wahab and Mohamed Fadel Shaker to Close Mawazine Festival with a Star-Studded Night
The 20th edition of Morocco's Mawazine Festival is set to wrap up spectacularly on Saturday, June 28, with two generations of musical talent sharing the spotlight at the Nahda stage: superstar Sherine Abdel Wahab and rising artist Mohamed Fadel Shaker. For Sherine, the night marks a highly anticipated comeback to Mawazine after a nine-year hiatus—her last performance at the festival was in 2016. Known for her powerful voice and emotional connection with fans, Sherine is preparing a magical set filled with surprises and fan-favorite hits to celebrate the Moroccan audience that has always embraced her. Her recent success during Ramadan, including her songs featured in the hit series 'Ekhwaty' and a standout ad campaign, has only heightened anticipation for her return. Mohamed Fadel Shaker, who will be sharing the night with Sherine, will be making his official Mawazine debut as a solo artist. Thirteen years ago, he appeared on the same stage as a young boy alongside his father, legendary singer Fadel Shaker, performing the emotional duet 'Rouh.' That memorable concert was his father's last major public appearance before retiring from the spotlight, making Mohamed's return to that stage especially symbolic. With Sherine headlining and Mohamed opening the evening, June 28 promises to be a night to remember—an unforgettable celebration of Arab music, legacy, and fresh talent lighting up the grand finale of Mawazine 2025.
